News
July 23, 2007
Artist: Dizmas
Album: Tension
Label: Credential Recordings
Release Date: May 22, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. Jealousy Hurts
2. Shake It Off
3. Play It Safe
4. If You Love Someone
5. See Daylight
6. Dance
7. This Is a Warning
8. The Voice Is Ghostly
9. Nothing at All
10. October
11. Until You Rescued Me
12. Sun
Starting off with the same intensity, passion, and melodic ingenuity as their debut, On a Search in America, Dizmas tried a new approach for their second punch.… Continued →
July 8, 2007
REVIEW : Jeff Deyo - Unveil
Artist: Jeff Deyo
Album: Unveil
Label: Indelible Creative Group
Release Date: May 22, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. Glory Rain Down
2. So in Awe
3. I’ll Forever Love Your Name
4. Unveil
5. Glory
6. Falling Down Like Rain
7. More in Love
8. Love of God
9. Nothing on Earth
10. You Are God
11. Fall on Me
The other day I had a conversation in the car while listening to this album, when my friend commented that it must be hard to review a “worship CD,” because there’s this whole other category of things to look for.… Continued →
June 27, 2007
REVIEW : Everyday Sunday - Wake Up! Wake Up!
Artist: Everyday Sunday
Album: Wake Up! Wake Up!
Label: Inpop Records
Release Date: May 22, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. Let’s Go Back
2. Wake Up! Wake Up!
3. Take Me Out
4. Find Me Tonight
5. Apathy for Apologies
6. I’ll Get over It (Miss Elaineous)
7. What We’re Here For
8. Now You’re Gone
9. Tell Me You’ll Be There
10. From Me to You
Joining the Flicker Records roster in 2002, Everyday Sunday released the instant hit, Stand Up. Videos for “Lose It Again” and “Wait” could be seen frequently on Christian rock video programs such as TVU, and the buzz was flying.… Continued →
June 24, 2007
REVIEW : Building 429 - Iris to Iris
Artist: Building 429
Album: Iris to Iris
Label: Word Records
Release Date: May 1, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. Power of Your Name
2. Majesty
3. Singing over Me
4. You Carried Me
5. Amazed
6. Incredible
7. Waiting to Shine
8. Taken
9. New Season
10. Constant
11. Grace That Is Greater
Iris: it’s the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. So to say “Iris to iris” is like getting even closer than just “eye to eye.” And that’s what Building 429 has focused their third and latest release on: seeing eye to eye with God in a closer way.… Continued →
INTERVIEW : Before Their Eyes
Interview by: Julio D. Anta
If you could tell the readers your name and what you do in the bad?
Nick Moore: My name is Nick Moore, and I’m the vocalist in the band.
So, how did the band get started?
NM: Well, I was in another band that ended up breaking up. I knew a few other guys guys from other bands that we had all played with in the past. So I called Jared our drummer and told him I wanted to start a little side project and if he was interested playing drums for it, and have his friend Cory who was also in his old band play bass.… Continued →
June 18, 2007
REVIEW : Project 86- "Rival Factions"
Band: Project 86
Album Title: Rival Factions
Label: Tooth and Nail
Release Date: 6/19/07
Review by: Nate
- 1. Evil (A Chorus Of Resistance) 2. Put Your Lips To The TV 3. The Forces Of Radio Have Dropped A Viper Into The Rhythm Section 4. Molotov 5. Slaves To Liberty 6. Pull Me Closer, Violent Dancer 7. Illuminate 8. The Sanctuary Hum 9. Caveman Jam 10. Normandy
REVIEW : Ruth - Secondhand Dreaming
Artist: Ruth
Album: Secondhand Dreaming
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Release Date: June 26, 2007
Review By: Julio D. Anta
Tracklisting:
1. One Foot In, One Foot Out
2. Cross The Line
3. Secondhand Dreaming
4. Here To New York
5. Mr. Turner
6. Work It Out
7. Standing Still
8. Figure You Out
9. You Are
10. Love Me Like You Do
11. Always Yours
12. Well With Soul
Year after year without fail Tooth & Nail Records quietly releases a great album with little to no advertising dollars spent.… Continued →
June 17, 2007
REVIEW : Maylene and the Sons of Disaster - "II"
Band: Maylene and the Sons of Disaster
Title: II
Label: Ferret Records
Release Date: March 20, 2007
Review By: Levi (a.k.a Matrixkitty)
Track listing:
- “Memories of the Grove”
- “Dry the River”
- “Plenty Strong and Plenty Wrong”
- “Darkest of Kin”
- “Raised by the Tide”
- “Wylie”
- “Death is an Alcoholic”
- “Everyone Needs a Hasting”
- “Don’t Ever Cross a Trowel”
- “Tale of the Runaways”
- “The Day Hell Broke Loose at Sicard Hollow”
June 13, 2007
REVIEW : The Chariot- The Fiancée
Artist: The Chariot
Album: The Fiancée
Label: Solid State
Release Date: April 3, 2007
Review by: rand
Tracklising:
1. Back To Back
2. They Faced Each Other
3. They Drew Their Swords
4. And Shot Each Other
5. The Deaf Policemen
6. Heard This Noise
7. Then Came To Kill
8. The Two Dead Boys
9. Forgive Me Nashville
10. The Trumpet
I have never seen The Chariot live. Before you shoot me though, just know that Austin, TX never has Christian metal bands coming through it for some reason.… Continued →
June 12, 2007
REVIEW : Before Their Eyes - Self Titled
Artist: Before Their Eyes
Album: Before Their Eyes
Label: Rise Records
Release Date: May 15, 2007
Review By: Julio D. Anta
Tracklisting:
1. City In A Snow Globe
2. The Nighttime Is Our Time
3. You Talk A Good Game
4. Crawling Towards Forgiveness
5. This Is Redemption, This Is Out Lives Washed Cleaned
6. Why 6 Is Afraid Of 7
7 The Journey Down South (Starts With A 2 Step)
8. Hope In Devotion
9. Shotguns Speak Louder Than Words
10. Close Your Eyes, It’s Okay To Rest Now
Home to post-hardcore up and comers Drop Dead Gorgeous and The Devil Wears Prada come Rise Records newest signing.… Continued →
REVIEW : Seventh Star- The Undisputed Truth
Artist: Seventh Star
Album: The Undisputed Truth
Label: Facedown Records
Release Date: June 12, 2007
Review by: rand
Tracklisting:
1. The Undisputed Truth
2. Now At Hand
3. World War Three
4. Cursed Creation (The Fall of Man)
5. Isaiah Six
6. For All The Saints
7. Seven
8. The World’s Solution
9. I Versus I
10. Overrun.Overgrown.Overthrown.
11. Chasing The Wind
I don’t know why, but when I heard that Seventh Star was releasing a new album, for some reason I remembered them being a rap rock band.… Continued →
June 10, 2007
INTERVIEW : Our Departure Project
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ben Cook of Our Departure Project on May 12, 2007 after his show with The Wolverines in Miami, Florida. For the latest information, tour dates, or to purchase Our Departure Project’s debut EP titled This Story Will Show You please visit www.myspace.com/ourdepartureproject. Interview by: Julio D. Anta
What’s your name and what do you do?
Ben Cook: My name is Ben Cook, I play guitar and sing. I’d like to get a full band together but it’s just me for right now.… Continued →
June 7, 2007
INTERVIEW : A Slight Breeze
Formed in the wake of the now-defunct Bernard, A Slight Breeze is the brain-child of ex-Bernard bassist Ryan Adams. About a month ago I had the opportunity of interviewing him in his small St. Augustine apartment where we discussed the unique sound of ASL and the break up of his former band. Interview by Julio D. Anta
Do you write most of the music?
Ryan Adam’s: Yeah, I guess. I’ve been writing and recording for maybe two years, pretty much when I got my computer. I started writing, and sorta had intentions for some of it to end up in Bernard, but it just never happened.… Continued →
June 5, 2007
REVIEW : Derek Webb - The Ringing Bell
Artist: Derek Webb
Album: The Ringing Bell
Label: INO Records
Release Date: May 1, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. The End
2. The Very End
3. A Love That’s Stronger Than Our Fear
4. I Wanna Marry You All Over Again
5. I Don’t Want to Fight
6. Name
7. Can’t Be without You
8. I for an I
9. A Savior on Capitol Hill
10. This Too Shall Be Made Right
You may remember Derek Webb from his work in Caedmon’s Call or from 2005’s Mockingbird, which he made available for free download last year.… Continued →
REVIEW : Between the Trees - The Story and the Song
Artist: Between the Trees
Album: The Story and the Song
Label: Bonded Records
Release Date: April 24, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. The Forward
2. White Lines & Red Lights
3. The Way She Feels
4. Words
5. The Greatest of These (A Little Love)
6. Darlin’
7. A Time for Yohe
8. She Is…
9. Fairweather
10. The Fort
11. You Cry a Tear to Start a River
Ranging from 18 to 21 years old, the five young men who comprise Between the Trees have established something well beyond their years, and this is just the beginning.… Continued →
June 2, 2007
INTERVIEW : Norma Jean
Interview by Julio D. Anta
What’s your name and what do you do in the band?
Jake Schultz: My name is Jake Schultz and I play bass.
How’s the tour with Underoath and Maylene been going?
JS: It was awesome, I mean this was the last show. It was ten days I think and we’ve known basically everyone on this tour for years, so it’s been a really big hangout. A bro-fest if you will.
How long have you been in the band?
JS: Pretty much, I joined right after the first record came out.… Continued →
June 1, 2007
REVIEW : Pistis In Him Alone - Darkness Only Is The Absence Of Light
Artist: Pistis In Him Alone
Album: Darkness Only Is The Absence Of Light EP
1. Wonderful Spirit
2. Contentment
3. Redemption
4. Adoration
5. Confidence
By way of introduction, let me say that Pistis In Him Alone is the most intense worship band I have ever heard. That’s probably because they’re a German hardcore band. Pistis – a Greek word for faithfulness – (In Him Alone) disbanded in 2006 after six years together. But as they went headbanging into that good night, Pistis left us with their swan song EP, Darkness Only Is The Absence Of Light.… Continued →
May 29, 2007
INTERVIEW : He Is Legend
(picture courtesy of Reuben Wilson)
To start things off, who are you and what do you do in He Is Legend?
-I’m Schuylar and I sing.
Could you give us a brief update on what you’ve been up to lately?
-We’ve pretty much just been preparing for our headlining tour.
A month or two ago, you started pushing the movie, The Reaping, to fans. How did this come about?
-They expressed interest in having us help promote the film. I think it’s known in the industry as “Selling Out” but we figured, why not?… Continued →
May 24, 2007
REVIEW : The Wedding - Polarity
Artist: The Wedding
Album: Polarity
Label: Brave New World Records
Release Date: April 17, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. The Call
2. Say Your Prayers
3. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
4. Staring at the Light
5. This One’s for You
6. I-540
7. It’s Time to Rock (OK?)
8. Rebound
9. Schizophrenia
10. The Last Stand (Wake the Regiment 2)
11. Misery Loves Company
12. Southside
13. Revelation
14. Fireworks
About two years ago I went to a small church show to see Kids in the Way play, and one of the opening acts happened to be a band called The Wedding.… Continued →
May 20, 2007
REVIEW : The Almost "Southern Weather"
Band: The Almost
Title: Southern Weather
Release Date: 4.3.07
Review By: JoshIVM
Tracklisting:
01. Say This Sooner
02. Drive There Now
03. Dirty And Left Out
04. I Mostly Copy Other People
05. Southern Weather
06. Stop It
07. Amazing Because It Is
08. Everyone Here Smells Like A Rat
09. Never Say “I Told You So”
10. Call Back When I’m Honest
11. Everything That Makes Me Sick
I had been wishing since the days of “Changing Of Times“, that Aaron would do a side project.… Continued →
REVIEW : A Plea For Purging "Quick Is The Word Steady Is The Action"
Band: A Plea For Purging
Title: Quick Is The Word; Steady Is The Action
Release Date: 2007
Review By: JoshIVM
Tracklisting:
01. Resurrection Of The Beast
02. Quick Is The Word
03. Interlude
04. The Betrayars
05. Mystery – Great Babylon, Mother Of Prostitutes And All Abominations Of The Earth
06. Death Has Been Swallowed Up In Victory
Members/Duties:
Andrew Atkins: Vocals
Aaron Eckermann: Drums
Blake Martin: Guitar
Lyle Paschal: Guitar
John Wand: Bass
A Plea For Purging is an up-and-coming metalcore outfit formed in 2005 in the music hub of Nashville, TN.… Continued →
REVIEW : Family Force 5 "Business Up Front...(Diamond Edition)"
Band: Family Force 5
Title: Business Up Front, Party In The Back (Diamond Edition)
Release Date: 3.20.07
Review By: JoshIVM
Tracklisting:
01. Cadillac Phunque
02. Kountry Gentleman
03. X-Girlfriend
04. Drama Queen
05. Put Ur Hands Up
06. Love Addict
07. Earthquake
08. Replace Me
09. Lose Urself
10. Peachy
11. Supersonic
12. Numb
13. I Love You To Death (Bonus)
14. Face Down (Bonus)
15. Never Let Me Go (Bonus)
Members/Duties:
Solomon Olds (aka Soul Glow Activatur): Vocals, Guitar
Jacob Olds (aka Crouton): Drums, Vocals
Joshua Olds (Fatty): Bass, Background Vocals
Nathan Currin: (Nadaddy): DJ, Keytar
Derek Mount (Chap Stique): Lead Guitar
I have previously reviewed the regular edition of this album which can be viewed here.… Continued →
May 17, 2007
INTERVIEW : This Beautiful Republic
To begin, you can state your name and your duties in the band.
My name is Ben Olin and I am the Vocalist for This Beautiful Republic
So how’s touring going?
Touring has definitely been an adventure. It’s not as glorious as most people believe it to be, it’s a lot of really hard work, but the rewards outweigh the amount of work put in. Sanctus Real are friends of ours and Needtobreathe are just really great guys so it was a great first tour for us to be on.… Continued →
May 15, 2007
REVIEW : Darkroom - A Curious Excavation
Artist: Darkroom
Album: A Curious Excavation
Label: None (released independently)
Release Date: March 31, 2007
Tracklist:
1. Windsor Knots
2. Afraid
3. A Curious Excavation
4. Consequences
5. The Best Part
6. Quicksilver
7. Stagecraft
8. Six eight four four
9. Blanketed Fortress
10. Veranda
11. The Old Gun
Hailing from Winona Lakes, Indiana; Darkroom comes boasting a five-man line up, each with his own unique set of influences. Yet they come together to create something quite familiar, but not in a bad way. This musical endeavor floats along melodically emotive indie rock, gliding the waters with strings, bells, and horns.… Continued →
May 11, 2007
REVIEW : This Beautiful Republic - Even Heroes Need a Parachute
Artist: This Beautiful Republic
Album: Even Heroes Need a Parachute
Label: Forefront Records
Release Date: April 3, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. Casting Off
2. Going Under
3. Jesus to the World
4. Right Now
5. Black Box
6. The Surface
7. Let’s Be Honest
8. New Year
9. Something to Deny
10. Fears and Failures
11. Cloud Cover
Christian music would not be what it is today without the work of Forefront Records. Their early and long-lasting bands DC Talk and Audio Adrenaline took 90s rock (among other things) and added a very definite Christian perspective, singing songs about being a “Jesus Freak” or being excited about the “Big House” our Father is preparing for us.… Continued →
May 8, 2007
INTERVIEW : Lost Ocean
Eric IVM: Give your name and what you do in the band.
Jeff: Jeff Gray, lead vocal/guitar
Eric IVM: For those who haven’t heard you yet, how would you explain your style?
Jeff: Piano-Centric Alternative Rock
Eric IVM: Where did the name Lost Ocean originate?
Jeff: Two previous song titles of our got married. Once together, we loved the natural implications, imagery, and simplicity of the name.
Eric IVM: What’s Lost Ocean’s story? How did the band begin?
Jeff: I produced a demo for the other three members’ prior band.… Continued →
May 3, 2007
REVIEW : From Beginning to End - In the Beginning...
Artist: From Beginning to End
Album: In the Beginning…
Label: Wounded Records
Release Date:
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. Guaranteed
2. Rain Down
3. Poured Out
4. Tears Revisited
5. In the Beginning
6. The Elevation
7. Touch
8. Better Than Before
9. Here We Are
10. Free
11. The Elevation (radio edit)
Starting in Illinois, and touring all over the nation, including stops at Cornerstone, From Beginning to End is a hard-working band with a mission. They will not pass up an opportunity to share their faith, be it in their bio or in their lyrics, and they attempt to fuse alternative rock and screamo into one listenable sound.… Continued →
April 26, 2007
INTERVIEW : Jeff Jacquay/Unashamed
An Interview with Jeff Jacquay of Unashamed
A classic trip in time through the years of Spirit Filled Hardcore and beyond…
I first caught glimpse of Unashamed in 95’ at a show with Focused in Capo Beach, CA. and was blown away by the intensity of the band. Their brand of “Spirit Filled Hardcore” blew everyone in the room away with passion of heart and explosive guitars enough to jolt the building to the floor (exaggerated). I had never seen a hardcore show quite like that one.… Continued →
REVIEW : Kate Hurley - Sleeping When You Woke Me
Artist: Kate Hurley
Album: Sleeping When You Woke Me
Label: Worship Circle Records
Release Date: January 15, 2007
Review by: Eric Pettersson
Tracklist:
1. Tree Branch
2. When He Dreams
3. Come Quickly
4. Only Your Love
5. Hey Little Girl
6. Tell Me
7. You Are Not Alone
8. Come to Me
9. Maybe
10. Passionate Beautiful
11. Always Have You
12. My Angel
13. Jacob’s Ladder
14. Stronger than Death
15. When You Carry
Seeing that this CD was labeled as “Worship,” I was almost afraid to open it.… Continued →
April 24, 2007
INTERVIEW : War Of Ages
Email interview with Johnathan of War Of Ages (April 2007)
JoshIVM: Let’s go back in War Of Ages history for a second. How did you guys initially get hooked up with Strike First/Facedown Records?
Johnathan: Our friends in Jesus Wept (at the time xDisciplex AD) were good friends with the team at Facedown records. They told us to hook them up with a demo and put in a good word for us. Strikefirst then became interested in us and gave us a contract. We then started to tour relentlessly and got Facedown to take note of us.… Continued →